The theme is different each year based on the entertainment. The food is plentiful; the wines flow freely. And many in the GLBT community say it is one of their favorite annual fundraisers for Mama’s Kitchen.

The 2004 benefit, titled Bourbon & Blue Velvet, will be held for the ninth year in a row, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., Aug. 26, at Bourbon Street, located at 4612 Park Boulevard. Five local restaurants will contribute an array of heavy hors d’oeuvres that get passed around on trays as each food “session” is paired with a different wine donated by Southern Wine and Spirits.

“Every time a wine is announced, a featured food item is presented by one of the restaurants,” says Don Caulfield, special events chair for Mama’s Kitchen. “The menu will change about every 20 to 30 minutes throughout the event,” he adds.

This year’s entertainment features Blue Velvet, a popular local band that has played at San Diego AIDS Walk and various local venues.

Past attendee Stephen Kingston of North Park enjoys going to the benefit because “the price is right for what you get,” referring to the reasonable ticket cost of $35 per person. “The waiters keep your glasses full and there are tons of interesting people to meet.”

Caulfield concurs, saying that the event is aimed at those who perhaps can’t afford attending the larger Mama’s Day fundraiser at the La Jolla Aventine, which is more than double the price.

Participating restaurants will include Prego Ristorante, Ono Sushi, Twiggs Coffee & Tea and Bakery, The Abbey Café and California Cuisine, which will offer such edibles as Sorrento ham wrapped in asparagus, smoked chicken and Brie tartlets and olive and caramelized onions palmier with feta cheese.

“There will be enough food available for people to get filled up, even though it is not a dinner,” Caulfield notes. “It’s a great event that always generates a strong attendance.”

Last year’s event raised $14,000, although organizers hope to top the figure this year with another sell-out attendance and money raised through a silent auction. Among the items up for bid include gift certificates for area restaurants, hotel stays, Disney club tickets and a teeth-whitening treatment at a local dentist.

“We never want to lose sight as to why we’re doing this,” adds Caulfield. “All of the profits go to Mama’s general fund for carrying out meal service to people with HIV/AIDS.”

Tickets, which cost $35, can be purchased at the door, or by contacting Mama’s Kitchen at (619) 233-6262. For additional information, visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com for a link to Mama’s Kitchen’s website.